Fab 50 Breakdown: Linebackers

Brandon Stockdale December 20, 2021 @ 04:13 PM

Our breakdown of the Top 50 players in South Carolina high school football in 2021 continues with an impressive core of linebackers. One is a state champion, some are two-way players and most of them will find themselves playing on Saturday afternoons at the next level. [player_tooltip player_id="59498" first="Jesus" last="Dowdle"], Gaffney Dowdle wrapped up an outstanding senior season as the Indians won the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/12/what-we-saw-gaffney-dethrones-defending-champ-dutch-fork/">5A state title over Dutch Fork in early December</a>, and he was a big reason why. He is an instinctive backer who gets into the backfield quickly and it is hard to sneak plays past him. His play recognition is excellent. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GZBsA">HUDL link</a> [player_tooltip player_id="59469" first="Zan" last="Dunham"], Chester Dunham was a dynamic two-way player with the ball in his hands in 2021. During the season, he was a bruiser in Victor Floyd’s offense that prides itself on being physical and running the football. He was effective in the quarterback run game from what we saw at the Touchstone Energy Bowl a few weeks ago. He had three tackles on defense in the game. Nick Emmanwori, Irmo The South Carolina commit was everywhere on the field for the Yellow Jackets in 2021. Emmanwori’s stat line included 232 tackles, 19 tackles for loss along with 6 PBUs. He fights off blocks at the safety position coming down against the run or he can stay stride for stride in man coverage against a receiver. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11697778/619fd974da518c0518116609">HUDL link</a> [player_tooltip player_id="89329" first="Luke" last="Janack"], Carolina Forest (pictured) Once Janack hit the hole at running back, it was more than likely a touchdown in 2021. He uses his speed to break away from defenders – he’s also useful on the speed option. At linebacker, he closes on the ball quickly and excels in making tackles in space. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GSgbF">HUDL link</a> [player_tooltip player_id="89301" first="Judah" last="McJimpsey"], Spartanburg McSimpsey is a fun linebacker to watch. His pursuit angles to the ball are excellent and he attacks the line of scrimmage, not allowing many runs to get going. He also wraps up and makes full, form tackles. He also clogs up the running lanes to the point that if he doesn’t get to the ball, his teammates will. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11197133/61a5754bd225a10a449f60ad">HUDL link</a> [player_tooltip player_id="89333" first="Jalen" last="Rambert"], Powdersville The No. 1 ranked player in our Class of 2023 rankings helped lead Powdersville to the third round of the playoffs in 2021. He was the leader on the Patriot defense and was a contributor on offense. He came up with a few game-winning touchdowns in the playoffs. [player_tooltip player_id="59462" first="Jaylen" last="Sneed"], Hilton Head <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/12/hilton-heads-sneed-wins-s-c-mr-football/">Sneed walked away with Mr. Football for 2021</a> at the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl two weeks ago. He’s headed to South Bend, Ind. to play for coach Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He excelled on both sides of the ball and had 245 tackles, 35 tackles for loss and helped force 10 turnovers on defense. On offense, he was used in at the wildcat position and put up 760 yards and 17 touchdowns on 117 carries. [player_tooltip player_id="214159" first="Cj" last="Wicker"], Dutch Fork Wicker finished his senior season with over 85 tackles and 15 tackles for loss – and he’s everything you want at the position. He takes great angles against the run that allow him to roam freely right into the ball carrier. And he’s quick and doesn’t get his eyes in the wrong place with misdirection and pre snap motion. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2FzB0w">HUDL link</a>